Who’s the Boss? Jim Moll Loses More Than Control in The Full Monty

Jim Moll as Harold Nichols (seated left) has some 'splainin to do to his wife Vicki (Pat Rodgers)
PHOTO by Anne Craft

As a retired school principal, Jim Moll is used to being in control and serving as an authority figure.  In the Farmington Players production of The Full Monty, Jim plays Harold Nichols, the former plant executive who can’t quite come to terms with his own unemployment.  While being the boss is a fitting role for Jim, his portrayal of Harold takes him into unchartered waters.  But Jim is not afraid to dive into the deep end when it comes to challenging himself personally.   As Jim explains, “I am playing Harold Nichols, the laid off plant executive who is the oldest member of Hot Metal – fitting as I am the oldest member of the entire cast!  Harold is a devoted husband and, through the course of the play and interactions with the other men, finds a new side of both himself and his relationship with his wife.  I think Harold is well intentioned but misguided in his insecurities about his marriage and himself.  I like that he finds deeper meaning – even if it involves taking his clothes off in front of an audience!” 

The Full Monty is quite a departure from Jim’s previous roles, but as an actor, he thinks “it's important to stretch comfort levels and try challenging things.  I've been onstage quite a bit in ‘dad’ roles and comedic parts that have been great fun, but this one does take me to new experiences both in the obvious ‘revealing’ parts and in the amount of dance that is required.”

The Full Monty is set in Buffalo in the 1990s, in the midst of tough economic times that drive the men to take some pretty desperate measures.  Just like Buffalo, Detroiters have always found ways to persevere when the chips are down.  As Jim observes, “the themes of economic struggle faced both by the characters in the play and an entire city certainly ring true for us living in the greater Detroit area. What audiences will find, I think, is a combination of edginess in the language and topic with some very touching moments and songs.  The play is about relationships when you get beyond the surface – marriages, fatherhood, fulfilling responsibilities as a man – all of which rings true and are relatable.”

A native Detroiter, Jim has lived here all of his life except during college.  He served 40 years in public schools as a teacher, counselor, and administrator, and now consults part time for Oakland Schools.  Jim has been married for 41 years (so far) to his college sweetheart Denise.  In addition to acting in both community and professional theater, Jim is attempting to train for the Detroit marathon in October.  Jim says he is “so grateful to be a member of the Hot Metal 6 and appreciate my castmates support and the bond that has grown directly in relation to the amount of clothes we shed!”

The Farmington Players production of The Full Monty is proudly sponsored by Truvista Wealth Management. The show is definitely R-rated for sexually suggestive content and language.  There are 12 performances from April 29 – May 21. Tickets are available online at farmingtonplayers.org or by contacting the Barn box office at boxoffice@farmingtonplayers.org or 248-553-2955.